There is a restaurant on site but it offers simple food without all the bells and whistles of other camp restaurants. In the Pafuri region in Far North Kruger Park, you can stand on a spot at Crookes Corner where the boarders of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa converge. No cars were permitted to enter the park until 1926. Affectionately known as the “People’s Park”, it offers everything from budget-friendly accommodation to 5-star luxury lodges. 2. A year later, two rondavels (round houses) were built at Skukuza, and two were built at Satara. It needs to get as close as possible to its prey before it makes a short and explosive charge. Symptoms of malaria include an aching body, headaches, fever and sore stomach. Game rangers take groups on trails made by the animals, and armed with a rifle in case they run into something wild and hungry. is a fascinating destination for botanists. Size: it is the largest game reserve in Africa, spanning 19,633km2. The dope dart has been instrumental in the successful translocation of animals between national park and game reserves. Kruger first recognised the need to protect the animals of the Lowveld in 1884, but it took 12 years for his vision to come to life. He returned to South Africa during the second Boer War, as a major in the British army. The driest period in Kruger Park is in September and October. is the largest national park in Africa and the oldest in South Africa. The Kruger to Canyon biosphere received international recognition in 2001 when it was registered as aUNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. There are remains of pots of various shapes and sizes, some decorated, which were used for cooking, eating and drinking. Some died of old age and some in the line of duty. Satara Rest Camp is the third largest camp in the Kruger National Park and centrally located. The best section to visit for outstanding birding in Kruger Park is in the Far North region, around Pafuri Camp. This safari tour takes guests to the heart of the Kruger National Park to the Mluwati Concession. Snakes are usually more scared of you than you are of them, and will slither away quickly. When the Great Trek started in 1836, his father uprooted the family and moved them to what was known as the Transvaal, where they settled in a town called Rustenburg. The Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers converge at Crookes Corner in the Pafuri triangle at the most northerly point of the Park and if you stand in the river bed, you have Mozambique on your right, Zimbabwe straight ahead and South Africa on your left. The first ablution block went up at Skukuza in 1932, with four baths and four showers. The driest period in the Park is September and October, and is regarded as the best game viewing time as the grass is thin and short which is excellent for seeing animals. Dome-shaped clay furnaces used to smelt the iron ore are found at the Masorini site, which has been reconstructed as closely as possible to the original iron works. By this stage, veterinarian Toni Haarthoorn had pioneered a “dope darting” technique that was used in Operation Rhino, one of the most successful wildlife translocation programmes that included moving rhino to other parts aswell as to overseas reserves. The location of Kruger Park is interesting. He was instrumental in developing the first wilderness trails in 1957 in the Kruger National Park. The comical hornbills and glossy starlings have made the rest camps their home, with easy pickings from picnic scraps and family barbeques. PLANTS AND TREES OF THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. Letaba Rest Camp has a variety of accommodation from the typical rondavals to bungalows, guest houses and cottages. The wild dog has been brought to the brink of extinction due to persecution by humans (they were viewed as pests), genetic inbreeding and diseases like rabies and distemper that they contract from domesticated dogs in the rural areas. It has a more negative connotation as Stevenson-Hamilton was responsible for the relocation programme that move the native people out of the area when it was proclaimed a national park. Such areas are also known as transfrontier conservation areas or peace Parks. The highest point is a hill called Khandzalive. Kruger National Park is the largest national park in Africa and the oldest in South Africa. It is approximately the same size and shape as Israel or Wales and covers 20,720 square kilometers. The area is most popular for birding, with game viewing being a bit leaner than the southern regions. A lone male buffalo is usually what they call an old “dagga boy” (mud boy) who has been kicked out the herd or has got too frail to keep up with the group. His nickname means “he who sweeps clean” or “he who turns everything upside down”. For a five-star option, Tanda Tula has a field camp that is immersed in the bush but offers tourists delicious meals, all your home comforts and comfortable accommodation in luxury tents. They are the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, ground hornbill and the reclusive Pel’s fishing owl, which is localized and seldom seen. The main camps in the Park offer a selection of accommodation to cater for everyone’s budget. Punda Maria is known for sightings of the crowned hornbill, eastern (yellow-spotted) nicator and mosque swallow. Four two-track roads were built initially; from Crocodile Bridge to Lower Sabie, from Acornhoek to the Mozambique border, from Gravelote to Makubas Kraal (near Letaba) and from White River to Pretoriuskop. There are more than 2 000 lions of this protected subspecies in the Kruger National Park and one of the more famous Big 5 that visitors delight in sighting. Dr Player was also instrumental in moving a rhino herd from the Umfolozi area to Kruger Park to save theanimals from ultimate death from excessive poaching and the anthrax disease. Kruger Park Facts - Kruger Park by Night There is more action at night in Kruger than during the day. Unlike lion, they are silent creatures and you may only be aware of its presence when it gives a soft cough-like call. The popular camping sites are positioned right up against the fence where habituated hyena stroll up and down, hoping for someone to throw a piece of their dinner over the fence. There is a well-kept walking path around the perimeter of the camp that is suitable for kids. Skukuza camp is one of the more popular camps in the Park and can get a bit busy as it is also a pit-stop for day visitors and safari tour groups. All five species are endangered to some extent and under threat of extinction from rampant poaching that continues despite earnest anti-poaching programmes. It’s quite usual to fall asleep at night to the sounds of roaring lions. Scottish-born James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed as the first Warden of the Park in 1902 when it was still known as the Sabie Game Reserve. The best way to discover the Little Five and other important species that are vital for the ecology of the bush veld is on a guided wilderness walking trail in Kruger Park. New and improved designs were introduced and the Kruger National Park took on a more uniform look, where it was previously quite haphazard. The game reserve later merged with Shingwedzi Game Reserve to form the. Kruger Park is named after the man behind the drive to create a no-hunting zone, the then-president of the Transvaal Republic and passionate conservationist, Paul Kruger. In 1926, the passing of the National Parks Act led to the merging of the Kruger with nearby Shingwedzi Game Reserve, creating South Africa’s very first national park. Monkeys and baboons are so clever they have learnt to open fridges and cupboards. It’s an excellent area for birding. In 2012 178 family groups of ground hornbills roamed the Park and 78 nests were known, of which 50% were active. The Kruger National Park covers an area of approximately 19,455 sq. This caused great upset at the time. If you see snake in your path or near your accommodation, alert a camp supervisor. It really is a nature lover's paradise. There are currently 6 Biosphere Regions established within South Africa, of which the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere is the largest (and the third largest in the world). The main rest camps are all self-catering but each one has a good restaurant on site if you feel like a few days break away from the stove. They are regarded as one of the most dangerous animals to encounter on foot in the Kruger Park. The Cape buffalo is a carrier of viruses that are fatal for domestic livestock. Once ensconced up a tree with its prey, it will take its time to feed without having to worry about other scavengers. fast facts about the kruger national park The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of just under 20 000 square kilometres (7 500 sq/miles). There are about 400 wild dogs left in the whole of South Africa. It is the largest camp in the Kruger National Park and the administrative headquarters. The Kruger National Park covers an area of 19,485 km 2 (7,523 sq mi). It is about the size of Israel, slightly smaller than Belgium and about the third of the size of Ireland. A world-famous vet by the name of Toni Haarthoorn pioneered the “dope dart” technique that was used in Operation Rhino. You will see signs all over the camps warning visitors not to feed the monkeys, baboons and tame bushbuck. The main rest camps are fenced and you are safe within its boundaries, except for the odd encounter with a greedy baboon at your braai. Join us on a guided 3 Night / 4 Day Kruger National Park Budget Camping Safari, return road transfers, safari drives, accommodation, breakfast and Dinners are all included in this amazing Safari package. The original rondavels were not well-liked as they were stiflingly hot in summer and mosquitoes came in through the open gaps. It is the largest national park in South Africa. When Great Zimbabwe was abandoned, several groups moved south across the Limpopo River into the north-eastern regions of South Africa (including northern Kruger). The rules and regulations for the Park when it first opened to visitors were pretty relaxed, except that firearms were strictly prohibited. 1. The camp restaurant overlooks the Letaba River. This rest camp has huge sentimental value for those that know the history of the Park and is the oldest rest camp. The Lonely Bull Trail takes you along the Letaba River or you can opt for the Olifants Backpack Trail; both are for the more adventurous and fit tourist, with the Olifants trail being probably the toughest. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest nature conservation parks in the world, covering an area of just under 20 000 square kilometres, making it roughly the same size as the country of Israel. It covers an area of 19,485 km 2 (7,523 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 km (220 mi) from north to … The road network that had developed by 1946 was a massive achievement, considering the fact that the Kruger National Park was in dire financial straits, had a shortage of equipment and lacked manpower. Honey badgers, hyena and leopard are often spotted on night drives, aswell as the white-tailed mongoose. The rhino population of the Kruger National Park is most vulnerable during the Full Moon when the night sky is illuminated. This living museum can be explored with a field guide. One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the knife that belonged to Harry Wolhuter, a ranger who killed a lion that had him firmly in his jaws and was dragging him through the bush. Birders and animal enthusiasts have the privilege of enjoying an abundance of game both big and small in the Kruger National Park. 3. A leopard will lick the fur off its prey before it feeds, starting with the thighs and chest. Its signature call brings delight to all who hear it. Satara in central Kruger is located in what is known as “cat country”, where you are fairly guaranteed to see one or all of the big cats such as lion, cheetah and leopard. Vehicle doors should be closed at all times. As an angry, defensive group, buffalos can hold off an attack by a whole pride of lions. The area is floodlit which is perfect of late-night game viewing exertions. By continuing to use our site you agree to our Cookie Policy. There are two luxury guesthouses in the Oliphant’s Rest Camp, as well as two, three and four-roomed bungalows complete with en-suites. There is a small shop that sells the basic necessities and there is a nice pool for hot summer days. Look at the gate times in your green gate permit. The park opened in 1927, and visitors had to pay one pound to enter. There are seven trails that are run by the Kruger National Park that provided catered meals, and sleeping quarters that are simple but comfortable. The chalets and safari tents positioned on the river bank offer visitors fantastic views and excellent game viewing. The Kruger National Park is a national park in the northeastern part of South Africa . It consists of a library and a museum and holds many fascinating artefacts, books and valuable documents depicting the life and times of James Stevenson-Hamilton who was the first Warden of the Sabie Game Reserve, now the Kruger National Park. A walking trail offers an extreme wilderness experience and participants are accompanied by highly-experienced trained guides who is armed. Evidence of Bushman tribes (San people) and Iron Age inhabitants dating back to 1 500 years ago have been found, aswell as the presence of Nguni people and European explorers. Peace Parks also encourage tourism and economic development that is mutually beneficial for all parties. The Kruger National Park was set to start attracting overnight stays. 2. Dr Ian Player was a renowned conservationist and environmentalist in South Africa (15 March 1927 to 30 November 2014). There is ample evidence that prehistoric man (Homo erectus) lived in the area over 500 000 years ago. Anti-poaching units consist of SANParks game rangers who are assisted by the state police and defence force. Most visitors to the Kruger National Park are interested in the Big 5 which includes lions, leopard, elephants, rhino and Cape buffalo. Berg en Dal in southern Kruger is a spacious camp with a stunning viewing area overlooking the Matjulu Dam. His journals are housed in the Memorial Library in Skukuza and make fascinating reading. The total population of white and black rhino in South Africa is in the region of 22 000, which represents about 93% of the world’s population of this vulnerable species. The magnificent Lonely Bull Trail starts at Mopani Rest Camp. It is heavier than a cheetah and lacks the speed to chase down a panicked meal on legs. In addition to his many accomplishments, Dr Player developed the first wilderness trails in the Kruger Park in 1957. Kruger showed strong leadership qualities and eventually became Commandant-General of the then South African Republic, later known as the Transvaal. With a vast 19,633 km² it is almost the size of Wales! Cerebral malaria is an extreme case of malaria and people die from it. The Big 5 was the collective term given by hunters to 5 of the most dangerous animals to encounter on foot during a hunt expedition. It covers an area of 2 million hectares which makes it a little smaller than Belgium. This includes the removal of all man-made physical boundaries, such as fences. The Big 5 trees to spot in Kruger Park are the magnificent baobab, fever tree, knob thorn, Marula and Mopane tree. Mopani Rest Camp lies very close to the Tropic of Capricorn, and in fact there is a drive called the Tropic of Capricorn loop which allows you to drive along the parallel of latitude. The symptoms are similar to a bad cold or flu but rather be safe than sorry. The Pioneer Dam is fed by the Tsende River, and the surrounding bush is lush and green for most of the year. It covers an area of 2 million hectares which makes it a little smaller than Belgium. The political climate of the Transvaal changed with the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand basin. The camp offers guided tours down to the river and walking trails in the wilderness region (the Oliphant’s River Backpacking Trail). Permission to tar the roads was only granted in 1965 and only for the main strip between Pretoriuskop and Skukuza. Enjoy three full days exploring Kapama Private Nature Reserve which is 13 000 hectares of prime bushveld in the heart of the Greater Kruger National Park. Kruger Park is a fascinating destination for archaeological enthusiasts. In 2001, the first 40 (including 3 breeding herds of a planned 1 000 elephants) were translocated from the over-populated Kruger National Park to the Limpopo National Park. Rhino poaching is possibly the park’s biggest challenge. Hot water for bathing was a luxury in those early days. At the time, conservationists were alarmed at the scale of unchecked hunting in the area. The South African war broke out in 1899 and Kruger, now 74, remained in Pretoria due to ill health until 1900. It also has fun and games for kids and information for schools and educators. Its signature call is an absolute delight. South Africa has 93 percent of the world’s combined population of black and white rhino and Kruger is home to half of these precious endangered animals. The Park falls within a malaria zone and visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets. This lead to the heart-breaking culling of many hippos by Park management. The Elephant Museum is at the Letaba Rest Camp which is a hugely popular attraction. The Big 6 are six large species that are by and large endemic to the, Many endangered animal and bird species are found in, On the birding list, there are a number of species that are endangered and being monitored. This Classic Kruger National Park safari tour is an ideal option for travellers on a tight time schedule who want to experience the wonders of South Africa’s iconic national park and its incredible animals and birds, including the famous Big 5. FAST FACTS ABOUT THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of just under 20 000 square kilometres (7 500 sq/miles). Rampant poaching is the scourge of game reserves in South Africa but the Kruger National Park is particularly vulnerable as its western boundary lies on the border of Mozambique, a country ravaged by civil war and one of the poorest in southern Africa. The Magnificent Seven are the top seven elephants with the largest tusks that were known to roam the area in the 1970’s to the 1980’s. There are also two huts available that are wheel-chair friendly. Known as the Peace Park, it incorporates Parque Nacional do Limpopo in Mozambique and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, making it the largest conservation reserve in Africa. The Transvaal lion is the southern-most African lion most commonly seen in the Kruger National Park, living in the savannah, grasslands and hilly regions of the Park. It is one of the lesser well-known rest camps so it’s perfect for those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of the larger, busier rest camps. There was also the threat of an anthrax breakout from stray infected cattle that wondered into the reserve. Here are 10 interesting facts about this amazing game reserve: 1. They are powerful, dangerous animals. It has 12 main rest camps, 5 bushveld camps, 2 bush lodges and 4 satellite camps. 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